Newman Makes 13

Jeff Baumhower

05/27/2007

Notre Dame's recruiting class reached 13 commitments on Saturday when defensive lineman Brandon Newman of Pleasure Ridge Park High School (Louisville, Ky.) pledged to Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis. The Irish needed to address the depth and talent along the defensive line this year. Newman's commitment will go a long way to that end.

Brandon Newman (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) felt he belonged at Notre Dame from the time he stepped on campus back in April. Despite the lure of the Irish program Brandon wanted to take his time before he gave Notre Dame the nod.

"I met with coach Weis and told him that I wanted to be a part of the family at Notre Dame," Newman responded when asked about his commitment. "He said that his son was getting on his case, because his son wanted me to commit. He said that he was happy, because now he could tell him I was coming to Notre Dame.

"I was sure about Notre Dame ever since my first visit. I thought about committing when I was up for the spring game, but I just wanted to think about it and talk to some other people about everything.

"I knew last week that I was going to commit, but I wanted to commit [to coach Weis] face to face," Newman said. "I'm already very comfortable on campus and it already feels like my second home."

Newman spent a lot of his time with current Notre Dame commitment Braxston Cave. Once the two hit campus they will be going heads up for four years.

"There is no doubt that Braxston is one of the best centers in the country," Newman explained. "I know he'll get the best of me at times, but going up against him every day will just make me a better player.